If you are looking to get out of town for the Holiday season, Pittsburgh makes a great destination. It has just the right blend of metropolitan life and American culture.
Pittsburgh is located at the junction of three rivers. It is home to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Other features include the Andy Warhol Museum, the Heinz Field football stadium and the PNC Park baseball stadium.
With so much to see and do, you can bet that Pittsburgh makes a terrific holiday destination. Here are some things to check out when you’re in town.
Light Up Nights Fireworks
Light Up Nights takes place on Black Friday. It includes Tree lightings, live music and three fireworks shows that occur during the course of the evening.
The first fireworks show takes place at Highmark Building at 7PM. It is accompanied by the lighting of the Unity Tree. The Unity Tree stays lit throughout the season making for a terrific holiday destination.
The second display happens and 8:30 and is launched off the river directly in front of the point.
The final show is at 9:38 P (very specific, I know). This is the official display of the event, and it occurs on the Allegheny River. Head to North Shore River trail for the best views.
People’s Gas Holiday Market
The People’s Gas Holiday Market is an ideal destination for finding unique gifts. It is a European style market that includes outdoor wooden chalets and live music. It offers various craft and food items from local vendors. Santa will be there for photo opportunities.
Ice Skating at PPG Place
Ice skating is a terrific seasonal activity and PPG Place is the place to do it. While there, be sure to stroll through the walkway that connects PPG Place to Market Square to check out the window display that shows a collection of international Santas.
Tree of Lights in Point State Park
While in the downtown area, make your way over to Point State Park to check out the Tree of Lights located at the Point’s fountain. The colorful tree has been a city tradition since 1988. It is said to symbolize holiday warmth and good spirit.
The Pittsburgh Creche
The Pittsburgh Creche, or nativity scene, is located on the outside courtyard of the U.S. Steel Tower in downtown Pittsburgh. It has been a city tradition since 1999 and it is lit from late November to early January. It is the only authorized replica of the nativity scene in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
The figures in the nativity have increased over time. Originally, only Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Three Wise Men and two animals were featured. Since then, angels, more animals and a mother and child have been added.
Zoo Lights at the Pittsburgh Zoo
Zoo Lights is a drive through exhibit approximately a mile long. While guests will not see any animals during their drive, they will see nearly two dozen animal light displays located near the corresponding creatures’ zoo habitats. Highlights include a sprinting cheetah and an Asian style paper lantern.
North Park’s Holiday Laser Show
The Holiday Laser Show takes place on two dates in December. The 40-minute display is choreographed to music that is broadcast on the radio so you can hear it in your car. A medley of holiday favorites play as the lights rotate through colors and patterns.
Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum
Even though this facility does not host any events that are holiday themed, the nostalgic spirit makes it a Christmas favorite. Guests can travel back in time to the 1950’s to take a train journey from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, MD. Follow the model train around the tracks to see Pittsburgh’s incline, the rapids at Ohiopyle and the beautiful countryside.
Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show
Phipps Conservatory transforms into a winter wonderland with a unique holiday theme that changes from year to year. The theme for 2019-202 was Festival of Trees which featured numerous decorated trees.
The Conservatory features a variety of rooms all of which are dressed up to look stunning for the holiday season. However, the outdoor light garden may be the most impressive. It features several trees adorned with lights.
Kennywood’s Holiday Lights
Kennywood is Pittsburgh’s nearest theme park. It’s a terrific place to ride rides and catch live entertainment.
The Park lights up with holiday cheer at Christmastime with displays all around the park. There are thousands of lights in every direction.
In addition to decorating, the park also hosts several events and activities including a light show on their emptied lagoon, the lighting of their Christmas tree, carolers, magic acts, a collection of gingerbread houses and opportunities to meet Santa.
It should be noted that, other than the kiddie rides, most rides will be closed for winter due to the cold weather.
A Christmas Show in the Cultural District
Pittsburgh’s Cultural District goes all out for the Christmas season. Events hosted include the Pittsburgh CLO performing arts theater presenting a rendition of A Christmas Carol. The Pittsburgh Symphony offers a Holiday Pops event and the Pittsburgh Ballet offers a lovely performance of The Nutcracker.
Be sure to check out what else the Cultural District has going on when you’re in town.
Pittsburgh’s mix of hustle and bustle and culture makes it the perfect place to visit during the holiday season. There are so many things that will make your season complete. What will you be doing during your visit?
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